Honored Tradition|Ekaitz

[Kender Bard]

In Mathew's house, a presence began to form in the room. It was, if one were to sense for an origin, seemingly thickest around the slaves that were bearing the brunt of Mathew's frustration.

Finally, a soft, masculine, disembodied voice spoke, "If you break their bodies, I will reap their spirits. You do this often, and already have formed the basis for what could turn into an old, comfortable tradition for you and I..."

[Northen Light36]

Mathew pauses in the beatings and looks around, nervous. "Who's there?" he calls, proud of how steady his voice sounds.

[Kender Bard]

The voice gives itself substance - sort of. A ghostly apparition appears, looking vaguely man-like, though with dark, lightless pits where its eyes should be.

"It is I..." The spirits floats a little higher, so he can stare down on Mathew contemptuously.

[Northen Light36]

Mathew's eyes widen and he steps back before kneeling. There's only one possiblity for who this being could be in the slaver's mind. "Honourable Taed... To what do I owe the honour of your appearence?" he asks, his tone full of awe and a hint of respectful fear.

[Kender Bard]

Taed liked that. The man wasn't completely prostrating himself, but he wasn't arrogant either. "I chose this form to represent the dying spirit of the Storms. Once, the mighty empire revered me as their patron. Now... I fear I may take a backseat to Efil, who already has a stranglehold on far too many lands. You honor the ancient tradition of the Storms though. We find ourselves both in need - I, for a new home to foster and nurture my worshippers in, and you in protection. Is this correct?"

[Northen Light36]

"I believe it is," Mathew replies. "Shadow has gone soft, but he has allies and a firm grip on the weaker willed in Maelstorm. We here in Ekaitz are stronger, but fewer in number and too many outsiders see Shadow as the greater power for the threat being over run by sheer numbers not to be on my mind."

[Kender Bard]

"I will give you the power to tip the scales..." Taed promised. "..if you build a great temple to the Forces, featuring me as your patron." His dark, soulless eyes narrowed slightly. "I trust you will not make the same mistake that Tempest did..."

[Northen Light36]

"Tempest was a fool," Mathew replies. "It will be as you request," he tells Tead. "I will have the work begun as soon as the sun rises."

[Kender Bard]

Taed was satisfied. "So be it. You will receive YOUR gift upon its completion." And then he faded away.

[Northen Light36]

His mind no longer on his escaped slaves, but firmly on the future, Mathew sends the slaves he was beating to their 'quarters' and heads to his desk to begin the plans for a fine temple. Come morning, the plans are finalised and the majority of slaves are put to work on the back breaking task.